Skilled Worker Visa New Entrant – Comprehensive Guide for 2025

As a New Entrant, applicants can benefit from a lower salary threshold, making it easier for early-career professionals to qualify. The UK Home Office has structured this route to make the country more accessible to global talent while addressing the economic demand for skilled workers.

What Is the Skilled Worker Visa New Entrant Route?

The Skilled Worker Visa New Entrant route under the UK immigration rules provides an opportunity for eligible foreign nationals to enter the UK workforce under slightly reduced criteria.

This visa is designed to attract younger professionals, recent graduates, or those entering the workforce for the first time to fill skill shortages in various sectors across the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for New Entrants under the Skilled Worker Route

You can be paid between 70% and 90% of the standard going rate for your job if your salary is at least £30,960 per year and you meet one of the following criteria:

• you’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job (if you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject your salary must be at least £26,100)
• you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Lower Salary Thresholds for New Entrants

One of the most notable benefits of the New Entrant route is the lower salary threshold compared to standard Skilled Worker applicants.

From April 2024, the general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per annum. However, New Entrants are allowed to be paid 30% less, which brings their threshold to around £30,960 per annum or £15.88 per hour, depending on the occupation.

This exception enables more graduates and young professionals to qualify for the visa, particularly in roles that do not initially command high salaries but have strong career progression potential.

Job Roles and Occupations Eligible for New Entrant Salaries

Not all jobs are eligible for New Entrant salary reductions. The role must be on the list of eligible occupations published by the UK Home Office, and the salary offered must still meet the going rate for the role, adjusted to the 70% level permitted for new entrants.

Some common eligible occupations include:

• Medical practitioners
• Nurses
• Civil engineers
• Software developers
• Architects
• Secondary school teachers in shortage subjects (e.g., maths, physics)
• Social workers
• Paramedics

Each of these roles comes with a specific occupation code and salary rate, which must be carefully matched by the sponsoring employer.

Duration of Visa and Extensions

The Skilled Worker Visa for New Entrants is typically granted for a maximum of four years. After this period, the individual must either:

• Switch to a standard Skilled Worker Visa, meeting the full salary requirements; or
• Apply for visa extension if still eligible under specific conditions; or
• Explore other routes such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the criteria.

It is important to note that New Entrant status is temporary and is not renewable beyond the initial four-year limit unless the applicant transitions to a full Skilled Worker route.

Benefits of Applying as a New Entrant

Choosing to apply as a New Entrant Skilled Worker comes with multiple advantages:

• Reduced financial barriers for young professionals and graduates.
• Easier access to UK employers due to the salary flexibility.
• Clear career pathways and eligibility for eventual permanent settlement.
• Dependents (partner and children) can join and work/study in the UK.
• Access to the UK’s NHS and public services, enhancing the quality of life.

These benefits position the New Entrant route as a strategic gateway for international talent.

Sponsorship Requirements

To apply, the applicant must receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor. The sponsoring employer must confirm:

• The job is genuine and meets the required skill level.
• The salary offered aligns with the New Entrant thresholds.
• The role fits the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Employers must be listed on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors and must include the correct SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code in the CoS.

Documents Required for a New Entrant Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants should ensure the following documents are prepared:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
• Proof of identity (valid passport or travel document).
• Proof of age (under 26 or applicable condition).
• Evidence of qualifications or course completion (if switching from Student Visa).
• Financial documents showing the ability to support oneself (unless exempt).
• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS or equivalent).

In some cases, criminal record certificates or tuberculosis test results may be required depending on the country of origin.

Switching to the Skilled Worker Route from Other Visas

Those already in the UK on a Student, Graduate, or other eligible visa routes can switch to the Skilled Worker route as New Entrants without leaving the UK.

To switch, applicants must:

• Hold a valid visa at the time of application.
• Meet the New Entrant eligibility and salary thresholds.
• Submit their application before their current visa expires.

This flexibility is a major advantage for international students planning to remain in the UK for long-term work opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with an incorrect SOC code or job description.
• Failing to meet the English language requirement.
• Providing insufficient documentation or incomplete CoS information.
• Missing the visa application deadline or switching outside eligibility windows.

Working with experienced immigration solicitors or advisors can significantly reduce the risk of rejection and streamline the application process.

How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help

We are expert immigration solicitors with a strong track record in securing Skilled Worker Visas for New Entrants. Our team provides:

• Comprehensive eligibility assessments.
• Assistance in securing licensed sponsorships.
• Expert support in preparing and submitting high-quality visa applications.
• Post-visa support for dependants, extension, or ILR transition.

Whether you are an individual applicant or a UK employer looking to sponsor skilled talent, we offer bespoke legal services tailored to your needs.

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

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At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

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